JaVale McGee is expected to garner interest from several teams once he becomes a free agent. As reported earlier this week by Marc Stein, the Dallas Mavericks are expected to waive McGee by July 31. This date is crucial as it is the last day teams can use the NBA’s stretch provision.
The Mavericks are expected to waive-and-stretch veteran center JaVale McGee by the league's Aug. 31 deadline, league sources tell @TheSteinLine, barring an unforeseen trade that requires the inclusion of McGee's contract.
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— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 22, 2023
NBA Rumors: JaVale McGee and Juan Toscano-Anderson Good Fits For Warriors
Dallas has been looking to upgrade at center this entire summer. While the Mavericks haven’t done so, McGee wasn’t seen to be in their plans. The 36-year-old center saw sparse playing time with the Mavs last year, totaling 335 minutes in 42 appearances, including seven starts. Despite seeing such limited playing time, McGee averaged 4.4 points on 63% shooting from the field and 2.6 rebounds.
Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area believes the Golden State Warriors are one of the teams that should consider signing McGee once he hits the open market.
“McGee would automatically add the missing size that the outside is begging for once again. Dario Šarić’s addition in free agency finally gives the Warriors a player taller than 6-foot-9 … by one inch. McGee is a true 7-footer.”
Golden State has 13 players on standard contracts, so they still have one roster spot to fill. The Warriors are expected to carry 14 players to start the season, thus allowing them to add a player without making a subsequent move later in the season. The Dubs are well over the super tax apron. Therefore, they are limited to offering the minimum to any player, which is not a problem for McGee. McGee is guaranteed of receiving the $11.7 million from the Mavericks that he is owed.
McGee’s Fit With the Warriors
As Johnson pointed out, Golden State’s lack of size was a huge issue last year. Even if the Warriors decided to bring in McGee, who spent two years with the Dubs (2016-2018), that doesn’t mean he would see much time on the court. Kevon Looney is entrenched as the starting center after he played in all 82 games a season ago. Draymond Green and Saric will also see time at the five. But that doesn’t mean that McGee has nothing to offer the Warriors, according to Johnson.
“Ideally, McGee could help [Trayce] Jackson-Davis understand Kerr’s system quickly. He could be a pick-and-roll lob threat for Chris Paul and unlock Green’s short lobs again.”
While McGee’s fit is undeniable, there is no sign that the Warriors are interested in a reunion with the big man. Only time will tell. If McGee does sign with the Dubs, the one sure thing is that he will rebound and provide rim protection.
What is known is that several veteran free agents have or will work out for the Warriors at the Chase Center before training camp opens. Of those players, Johnson said that Juan Toscano-Anderson and Kent Bazemore also fit the Warriors’ culture. Both players also have previously donned a Warriors uniform.
However, Johnson believes that Toscano-Anderson holds more value than Bazemore or McGee due to his versatility. A good defender, Toscano-Anderson appeared in 52 games between the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz. He averaged 3.0 points and 2.4 rebounds in 13 minutes a game last season.
Glenn Robinson III, Dion Waiters, Tony Snell. Harry Giles and Trey Burke are the other players who have scheduled workouts with the Warriors.
